"It's gone on a lot longer than we thought. We're talking to lots of people, getting lots of references. We are quite close."

Former Real Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka was heavily linked with the post, only to take the managerial reins at Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

Another reported target was Wales manager Chris Coleman, although Press Association Sport understands the former Palace defender has signed a contract extension to remain in charge for the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.